Photovoltaics Projects

Hawaii Solar Integration Study (2010 - 2012): The Hawaii Solar Integration Study (HSIS) builds upon the knowledge gained in the Oahu Wind Integration Study (OWIS). The study examines very high penetration scenarios of solar and wind energy – up to 760 MW of distributed and utility scale solar PV and 300 MW of wind resources for Oahu, and up to 45 MW of distributed and utility scale solar PV and 72 MW of wind on Maui. Focusing on the operational impact on the Oahu and Maui bulk power systems, the HSIS evaluates reserve strategies, impacts on thermal unit commitment and dispatch, utilization of energy storage, renewable energy curtailment, and other aspects of grid reliability, operations and costs. Key to the study, high-resolution (2-second) solar power profiles were generated using a new combined Numerical Weather Prediction model / stochastic-kinematic cloud model approach, which represents the “sharp-edge” effects of clouds passing over solar facilities. See both the Maui Solar Integration Study[1] and the Oahu Solar Integration Study [2]reports.

Direct production of hydrogen[3]: this effort focuses on the direct splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen, using photoelectrochemical devices.

Rapidly Deployable Solar Electricity and Fuel Sources: the goal of this research project is to adapt existing deposition processes in order to manufacture solar cells on flexible substrates (such as titanium foils).